Sean Bacon

Ron Caragher showed some fire at his Monday press conference, something the team needs to rub off on itself over the final three games of the year. (Staff photo/Josie Lepe)

It’s pretty obvious that Ron Caragher possesses a sense of the chatter that surrounds his football program.

I don’t know if he reads anything I write — he’s said in the past that he doesn’t have time for newspapers, yet other times made references to stuff I’ve written here on the blog — but he clearly has a pulse of what the fan base is thinking. And since it’s not like San Jose State is consistently discussed on TV, radio or even written about by our columnists, there aren’t that many places to hear about any criticism of the Spartans. It’s a fairly insulated program in that regard, at least compared to a team like the 49ers or the big SEC and Power 5 schools. Continue Reading →

Tyler Ervin, celebrating his punt return touchdown against North Dakota with Maurice McKnight (left), Simon Connette (right) and Chris Gonzalez (background) has immediately delivered a big impact after missing last year due to injury. (Staff photo/Josie Lepe)

Keep him healthy and get him the ball. That roughly describes the game plan for San Jose State and Tyler Ervin.

When healthy, Ervin is as dynamic a player as there is in the Mountain West. He has the skill level to be a Reggie Bush type player for the Spartans. Electric in the return game, dangerous on deep routes and elusive in open space coming out of the backfield. The whole key has been to keep him healthy. Continue Reading →

Ron Caragher wants to test his players during Saturday’s final scrimmage of camp. (Staff photo/Jim Gensheimer)

Ron Caragher said he wants his players — in particular his quarterbacks — tested during Saturday’s scrimmage, the last true live action before the Aug. 28 opener against North Dakota.

“We’ll test the positions that we feel there’s some potential changes and shake-ups,” Caragher said. “Get some of the first-year guys going and see what they can do in adverse situations.”

“You always want to make sure you come out of it healthy but you also need to test some positions. We’ll mix it up and play physical and have a good scrimmage and hopefully come out of it with some good teaching film.”

It’s the last real test for quarterbacks Blake Jurich and Joe Gray and a decision on the starter should be known Sunday.

But what other position battles are still out there? Let’s take a look.